The third “Beyond” meeting with Dr. Luciana De Lauretis
The “Beyond” training programme, created by Como Women to support their players in developing skills useful off the pitch as well, hosted Dr. Luciana De Lauretis, a specialist in gynaecology, obstetrics, acupuncture, and human reproductive medicine, at its third meeting.
With decades of experience in the medical and fertility sector (indeed, she recounted that the first baby born with her assistance through assisted fertilisation dates back to 1986), Dr. De Lauretis has held significant roles in important healthcare facilities, including the Macedonio Melloni Hospital and the Sterility Centre of the Luigi Mangiagalli Hospital. She is currently the Medical Director at the Tree of Life Medical Center in Milan and head of the Fertility and Assisted Procreation Centre at the Istituto Clinico Città Studi. Also specialising in Biomedical Technologies, Natural Medicine, and Acupuncture, she combines scientific expertise with a holistic vision aimed at women's well-being.
The meeting provided an important opportunity for the athletes to delve into topics related to women's health with a focus on the anatomy of the gynaecological/reproductive system and the typical hormonal mechanisms of women and their adaptations within professional sport. The meeting, which saw great participation by our athletes, focused on fundamental topics such as prevention for women's health, pregnancy management for athletes, and egg freezing techniques, offering them not only the chance to be informed but also to actively engage with the expert.
Understanding your body: anatomy and functionality of the reproductive system
Dr. De Lauretis explained to the players the functioning of the female reproductive system, a fundamental topic for every woman but still too often overlooked. She emphasised the importance of monitoring the menstrual cycle, noting which variations could be warning signs of conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, or hormonal dysfunctions. She also highlighted how sporting activity can influence the menstrual cycle, especially in cases of intense training or high physical and mental stress.
Pregnancy and fertility: awareness and planning
One of the central topics addressed was pregnancy, with particular attention to the dynamics related to female fertility. The doctor emphasised how, unlike men, the numerical stock of women's eggs present in the ovaries is already defined at birth and that their number decreases progressively with age. This leads to a reduction in fertility already after the age of 30, making greater awareness in planning one's reproductive future essential.
The meeting offered food for thought for the athletes, many of whom are engaged in a professional career that often leads to postponing important choices like motherhood.
Egg freezing: a choice for the future
A particularly interesting topic was that of egg freezing, a procedure that allows the preservation of female fertility for the future. De Lauretis explained the process in detail, which involves ovarian stimulation for egg production, their retrieval, and subsequent cryopreservation. This technique represents a solution for women who wish to delay pregnancy, allowing them to preserve the quality of retrieved eggs in anticipation of a future pregnancy even after the age of 30-35.
For female footballers, whose sporting commitments can make it challenging to balance career and motherhood, this option can be a valid alternative to not forgo either path.
A meeting for growth and awareness
Thanks to this opportunity offered by Como Women, the players were able to expand their knowledge about their reproductive health, gaining a better understanding of their bodies and the options available for their future.
The “Beyond” project thus continues its training journey, demonstrating the club’s attention not only to the athletes’ sporting development but also to their wellness and personal growth.
